Principles of Delivery

PRINCIPLES OF DELIVERY

Physical Appearance
A general principle that speakers should constantly be aware of is that, consciously or unconsciously, people try to determine person’s character from the way he looks, talks, and acts.
Look alive. Dull – looking person cannot impress. Dress neatly – neatness has always been a virtue. In fact, one’s manner of dressing as a whole determines to a great extent the image he projects.

Personality
Many effective speakers have charisma, that indefinable personal magnetism of a person that gives tremendous power to the words he speaks.
A good personality is something that is not acquired overnight. The prospective speaker should therefore realize that if he will continue to involve himself in public speaking, he should develop a desirable personality.

Bodily Behavior
The speaker’s movements – from the time he walks up to platform to the time he leaves it – are usually closely watched by the audience.
While speaking, do not move unnecessarily. Taking a step or two can properly divide your thoughts, but too much of it can be distracting. Hands that do not gesture should remain at the sides of the body, or temporarily at the back.
Move only with proper motivation. Remember always to observe the elementary courtesies expected of a lady or a gentleman.

Eye Contact
A speaker must look at individual members of the audience straight in the eye. Listeners must feel that the speaker is talking to them personally. This establishes physical contact with the audience, the only way it can be done.

Posture
A speaker must be conscious of the way he stands. He may be comfortable with a certain stance, but if it is not comfortable from the point of view of the audience, such posture must be avoided.
Balance the weight of the body on both feet.
There are no fixed rules as to how the feet should be positioned. The left or right foot may be forward, or they may be on the same level. Gentlemen may keep their feet reasonably apart from each other. Ladies may get away with heels close together, without appearing to be stiff.

Poise
It is something that a speaker must have as basic equipment when you appear before an audience. It is synonymous with composure, bearing or tranquil self – possession. It is a person’s easy manner marked by self – confidence and gracious dignity.



Gesture
It is any act of the speaker that reinforces or demonstrates ideas. One uses any part of the body to gesture, particularly the face, head, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Facial expressions play a role in communication. Generally, one must show life on his face, whether he exhibits happiness, determination, anger, or any other emotion. Avoid a poker face or a face with a dead – span expression.
Head gestures must be employed by nodding, shaking, pointing, or by emphasizing.
A shrug of the shoulders may mean indifference, resignation, or lack of knowledge.

There are four basic hand gestures:
· Palm’s – up gesture. The palm of the hand is either facing the audience or facing upwards. This is the affirmative or giving or receiving gesture.
· Palm’s down gesture. The back side of the palm is either facing the audience or facing upwards. This is the negative or the rejecting gesture.
· Index – finger gesture. The index finger is extended and all the other fingers are closed. This is the pointing gesture.
· Clenched fist gesture. All the fingers are closed with the thumb over the closed fingers. This is the emphatic gesture or the one that denotes force and power.
· Palm gestures. These are formed with the fingers reasonably close together with the thumb a little apart from the fingers. They are used for a variety of purposes.

There are four types of gestures classified as to function.
· Locative gestures. These point out persons, places, or things within the sight of the listeners or within the imagination.
· Picturing gestures. These describe or demonstrate objects, ideas, or action.
· Emphatic gestures. These stress or emphasize ideas.
· Suggestive gestures. These stimulate the imagination of the listeners.

There are three steps to make a complete gesture.
· Approach – the movement of the hands from the sides of the body to the place where the stroke will be made
· Stroke – the gesture proper
· Return – the movement of the hand from the place where the stroke is made back to the sides of the body.

There are essential principles of good gestures.
· Integration. The gesture must suit the idea it supports.
· Coordination. The gesture must be harmonized with the other parts of the body.
· Timing. The gesture must be timed to the word it supports.
· Control. The gesture must be well – controlled.
· Definiteness. The gesture must be precise.
· Variety. The gesture must be varied.